Expert Tips on Designing Monochrome Interiors In 2023

Monochromatic interiors have been in vogue for quite some time and it looks like the trend is here to stay but you might end up asking yourself, ‘what does monochromatic even mean?’ Just because monochrome translates to ‘one colour’ it does not mean that you need to limit yourself to one boring, stagnant colour throughout the room; fully exploring this trend will show that there’s a diverse range of possibilities just waiting to be played with. By rightly implementing a monochromatic look, you will achieve an interior space that is filled with an eclectic charm while staying in the realm of minimalism.   

How to Design Monochromatic Interiors?

Monochromatic interiors are not synonymous for neutral colour schemes. Yes, a beige room is monochromatic but it’s not the only way to go. Crisp, black-and-white rooms may look professional and elegant but lack a personal element. Green, blue, pink, orange – any colour can be refined to create a unique interior space.  

Whether you’re an interior design maestro or a novice, monochromatic interior design can become as confusing as it initially appears easily doable. Read on for a few tips and tricks that will help you get on the track towards a stunningly monochrome room.  

Tips on Introducing the Monochromatic Trend

• When going for a single-colour approach, the first step is to visualize your colour palette. A good tip is to start from the ground up and acknowledge the colours that are already present in your room – say, in your flooring, existing furniture, windows, etc. 
• Basing off these existent colours, you can choose a base colour that complements them and build on it with a number of hues, tones and tints in the same shade. For instance, if you decide on blue as your base shade you can layer a palette of Robin, Royal, Cobalt or Prussian blue – each packed with its own impact. The beauty of monochromatic interior designing is that you actually have the freedom to use more variations than you would with a polychromatic alternative.
• Even if you’re decorating for a monochrome room, you can bend the rules and sneak in subtle pops of a foreign colour that will provide a refreshing contrast. To this effect, you can take a look at the colour wheel and choose the colour opposite your base shade, also known as a complementary colour. Juxtaposing complementary colours together creates a vibrant impact. 
• Another interesting way to enhance an otherwise streamlined room is to add statement sofas or chairs in a different colour that goes well with the surroundings. For instance, a tan leather armchair in a beige room, a purple sofa with white interiors, and much more. Use your imagination and make sure to start small so there’s less room for error.

The trick here is to not get too carried away or you’ll lose sight of the monochromatic look. At the very least, your base colour should dominate an 80-20 ratio. A good rule of thumb is to stay within your defined colourway.  

Light & Dark Monochrome Colour Scheme 

With monotone colour schemes, the value of a colour is what really defines the ambience.  Using lighter values or pastel versions of your colour is always a sure-fire way to achieve monochrome interiors. Light shades will not only make your room look more spacious, but also more elegant and contemporary. Subtle colour schemes offer more breathing space for the rest of your interiors and let your smaller details shine through.  

Darker values on the other hand add a bold punch to the interiors. The key focus here is to maintain balance. If your base colour is going to be eye-catching, you need to ensure that it remains the focal point and go easy on the rest of the elements. 

If you find a single colour to be too overwhelming, a fun way is to opt for both light and dark by using your base shade in combination with black and white. This starkly contrasting colour scheme will enhance your interiors with a chic flair. The whites will provide airy relief whereas the black will help your colour pop out.  

A Look at Monochrome Home Design & Décor 

If you’re trying out monochrome décor for the first time, you might find your interiors feeling a tad flat and uninspired which only means that you’re doing it wrong. The keyword here is "texture" – or rather, textures. Textured wallpapers, coarse natural fibres, woven rugs and throws, accessories – any interesting element that speaks out to you will greatly elevate your space.  

Adding a little plant here or some hanging ferns there improves the overall atmosphere by creating a much more welcoming aura. In fact, there are plenty of indoor plant varieties such as Peace Lily, Spider Plant, and English Ivy among others that also aid in purifying the air. 

Varying materials will also aid in adding depth to the interiors so don’t shy away from combining rustic wooden finishes with sleek aluminium structures or warm woollen fabrics with glistening marble tops. These variations will work with your monochromatic interiors to create an image that is delightfully bold.  

Captivating artworks and intriguing patterns will also provide a break from the monotony. Even peppering around the smallest of finishing touches such as patterned throw cushions will add chunks of personality perfectly suited to monochrome décor. Such small efforts may not feel like much, but it’s this attention to detail that will create the cohesion every stylish interior needs. 

Book a Consultation with our Interior Designers 

Monochromatic interiors will not only make your space the talk of the town, but they’re also really easy to refresh whenever you feel ready for a change - thanks to the simplicity of your colour palette. A little switching up of décor here and there will be all you need to achieve a completely new look.  

With these tried-and-tested tips from our top interior designers, you will surely find it much easier to achieve the monochromatic space of your dreams. However, understanding colour theories, identifying cool from warm tones, pairing complementing shades – it can all get a little overwhelming at first. Fret not, for our expert design team is always ready to provide the solutions for all your monochromatic desires.